Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley called upon Catholics to take steps to change society’s negative perception of adoption so that it is seen as a better option than abortion for women facing a crisis pregnancy.

Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley delivers the homily during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life last night. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

He also urged the thousands in attendance to find ways to educate Americans that abortion is not a necessary evil, especially when a woman faces the prospect of raising a child as a single parent with little financial or social support.

Citing the important work done by staff and volunteers at pregnancy centers and programs that support single mothers, Cardinal O’Malley called for a broadening of such efforts so that women turn away from abortion.

Work also must continue on the legislative and judicial fronts so that legalized abortion comes to an end, he said.

At the same time, he added, Catholics must work more than ever “to change people’s hearts, to help Americans understand that abortion is evil and it is unnecessary.”

“It’s not just the lucidity of our arguments, but about the effect our words have on others,” the cardinal said. “Our task is to present the truth with civility, empathy and clarity. Being compassionate about the Gospel of life is about building a new civilization with love.”

CNS will have a full report on the vigil and those in attendance tomorrow.

Then he should tell Catholic Charities in Ohio they should support choices in adoption. Ohio Catholic Charities supports opening birth certificates to adoptees which takes the choice of privacy away from woman who choose adoption. Maybe woman would choose adoption over abortion when they have more choices and adoption becomes easier not harder. Taking choices away means less woman choosing adoption as the right choice for them.